Supplemental Instruction

What is Supplemental Instruction (SI)?

Supplemental Instruction (SI) is a program that offers peer-led, group study tables for challenging courses. Supported courses change each term, and the box to the right lists this term's supported courses. If you sign up for a study table, you will meet with your group once a week for 50 minutes, weeks 2-10 of the term. Study tables are led by SI Leaders who are students like you who have taken and succeeded in the course in a past term. SI Leaders attend lectures the entire term and are trained in active learning strategies that can help you succeed in the course. Study tables differ from lectures in that they are highly interactive; students engage in a variety of learning activities to understand and master course concepts.

How can Supplemental Instruction help me?

SI provides you with extra time outside of class to study in a comfortable, small-group setting. At study tables, you can ask questions, work with peers to answer questions and solve problems, and engage in structured activities that promote learning. Your SI Leader attends all the lectures and understands the course's challenges, so they are well-prepared to help you figure out study skills and success strategies that will work for you. Our data show that students who participate in study tables at least 5 times or more per time, on average, receive final grades 1/3 to ½ a grade higher than students who do not participate. Through SI, you can deepen your understanding of course concepts, participate in a supportive learning environment, and gain the skills and confidence you need to succeed in the course.

How do I register for and attend study tables?

If you are in a course supported by SI, you can participate for free. Week 1, you will see an SI representative in your class who will share information about the program. After their presentation, you will receive an email with a link to the SI registration website. When you log in, you'll be able to view the full list of study table times available to you. Be sure to choose a time that works for your schedule throughout the term. Though you can sign up in the weeks following the email, study tables fill up fast—often within a few hours of the invitation email being sent—so be sure you sign up early! All study tables are held in the North Study on the 2nd floor of the Beth Ray Center for Academic Support. When you get to the North Study, look for a whiteboard with your course and SI Leader's name on it.

What are students saying?

"I really enjoyed the study tables. I am so much more confident with the material this term. I so appreciated [my SI Leader's] enthusiasm and encouragement to be CONFIDENT in my answers! I like that it is so laid back and we are encouraged to work together, because I found that often if I have a question, many others have the same."

"The interaction with the study table leader and my fellow students was very helpful. We all worked together to answer questions and explain things when needed. I really liked having an additional place to talk about the [course]."